Sit-Up Board with Heel Block

ABSTRACT

A sit-up board is provided comprising a non-slip backboard, a heel block on the backboard, and a foot strap in front of the heel block configured to hold a user&#39;s feet together and against both the heel block and the backboard during sit-ups.

This is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 16/033,878 filed onJul. 12, 2018, assigned to the same assignee as the instant application,and which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

(1) TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to exercise equipment, and more particularly,exercise equipment for sit-ups including means for holding feet inposition.

(2) BACKGROUND

Many physical agility tests, especially those given by military orpolice academies, require sit-ups as one of the tests. Often during atest, someone will firmly hold a person's feet to the ground while theperson is performing sit-ups. It would be useful to be able to practicesit-ups with feet firmly held to the ground without relying on anotherperson to do this during each practice session. It may also bebeneficial for such academies and/or fitness centers to utilize thesedevices for training and testing purposes.

Several US Patents disclose exercise equipment that can be used forpracticing sit-ups, including U.S. Pat. No. 9,084,914 (Hoffman), U.S.Pat. No. 9,242,137 (Hoffman), and U.S. Pat. No. 9,592,416 (Tharpe), butthese references are different from the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

A primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide a device tofirmly hold a person's feet in place while performing natural,unassisted sit-ups.

Another objective is to provide a device to firmly hold a person's feetin place while performing natural, unassisted sit-ups with only asolid/smooth surface required, indoors or outdoors.

In accordance with the objectives of the present disclosure, a sit-upboard is provided comprising a non-slip backboard having rubber stripson a bottom surface of the backboard, a heel block on the backboard, anda foot strap in front of the heel block configured to hold a user's feettogether and against both the heel block and the backboard duringsit-ups.

Also in accordance with the objectives of the present disclosure, asit-up board is provided comprising a non-slip backboard, a heel blockon the backboard, a foot strap in front of the heel block configured tohold a user's feet together and against both the heel block and thebackboard during sit-ups, a first set of legs on a bottom surface at atop end of the non-slip backboard configured to unfold to hold thenon-slip backboard in an inclined position, and a second set of legs onthe bottom surface at a bottom end of the non-slip backboard configuredto unfold to hold the non-slip backboard in a declined position.

Also in accordance with the objectives of the present disclosure, asit-up board is provided comprising a non-slip backboard, a heel blockon the backboard, and a foot strap in front of the heel block configuredto hold a user's feet together and against both the heel block and thebackboard during sit-ups, and wherein the non-slip backboard has a firstsection comprising the rectangular heel block and foot strap and asecond section folded under the first section wherein the first sectionis configured to support a user's feet and buttocks and the secondsection is configured to be unfolded and locked into a position abuttingthe first section wherein the second section is further configured tosupport the user's shoulder blades.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of thisdescription, there is shown:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a first preferred embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a second preferred embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the second preferred embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the first preferred embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates an alternative bottom view of a preferred embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a third preferred embodimentof the present disclosure in an inclined position.

FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the third preferred embodimentof the present disclosure in a declined position.

FIG. 6C illustrates a bottom view of the third preferred embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodimentof the present disclosure in a folded position.

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the fourth preferredembodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is very difficult to perform a proper sit-up without having one'sfeet held in place. Physical fitness tests, especially in the militaryand at police academies, for example, require that one's feet be held inplace during sit-ups. This requires the individuals to team up withpartners, thus losing efficiency. In preparation for such tests and forone's own fitness goals, it is desirable to practice sit-ups inpreparation for such a test while having one's feet held in place.Often, another person is not available to hold one's feet in place inthe practice setting. Placing feet under heavy furniture is awkward; thefurniture may move or feet could slide out from under the furniture. Itis desirable to have a device that would allow a person to perform therequired sit-ups alone or without the need for switching between footholder and sit-up performer, thus saving time and guaranteeing a firmgrip on the performer's feet.

The device of the present disclosure provides a solution to the problemof holding one's feet in place during sit-ups. The device holds a user'sfeet in place in two ways. First, the user's heels abut a heel block tokeep the feet from sliding back toward one's body. Next, a strap runsfrom an outside of one foot, over the top of both feet adjacent to theankles, and to the outside of the second foot, holding the feet togetherand down on the device. The strap prevents the feet from moving forwardaway from the body and from moving upwards away from the surface.

Refer to FIGS. 1 and 2 where two preferred embodiments of the presentdisclosure are illustrated. In FIG. 1, the device 10 has a length suchthat an average sized person's shoulder blades will touch the surface ofthe device when the person is lying prone on the device so that it canbe used for official testing. Preferably, the device will have a lengthof at least four feet in order to achieve this objective. However, incertain situations and for practicing purposes, the device could beshorter so that only a person's feet and buttocks fit on the board. Thisoption 11 is shown in FIG. 2.

The sit-up device is preferably made of a lightweight yet strongcomposite plastic material with an optional metal core for rigidity. Theheel block 12 is preferably molded as part of the backboard 10 or 11.The heel block should have a length of about 8 to 10 inches, a width ofabout ¼ inch if made from a strong metal to 2 inches if made of acomposite or hollow molded material or wood, and a height of 1.5 to 2.5inches. Attached to the backboard 10 or 11 is a strap 14. Preferably,the strap 14 is treaded down through a first slot 13, underneath thebackboard, and up through a second slot 13. FIG. 1 shows the strap 14 ina closed position. FIG. 2 shows the strap an open position. The footstrap 14 must be strong and secure so as to avoid opening during thesit-up repetitions, yet easy enough to get in and out of quickly.Preferably, a cam buckle, such as used for a seatbelt, and a lap belttype strap will be used. It must be easy to strap and unstrap, yet verysecure and adjustable for different sized footwear. For example, FIG. 1shows an automobile-type buckle 15N/15B. FIG. 2 shows an airline-typecam buckle 17A/17B. Any other suitable strap and closure mechanism maybe employed.

A thin, durable, cleanable, flat pad 16 is attached on the entire topside of the backboard 10 or 11 to cushion the lower back and buttocks,or just the buttocks, respectively, during the movement. The pad 16 isequivalent to a gym mat or yoga mat in that it does not enhance orhamper a traditional physical agility test sit-up. Preferably the pad 16is permanently attached to the top surface of the backboard 10 or 11with adhesives so that it cannot accidentally come loose during use. Ahook and loop attachment option may be viable so that the pad can bereplaced if the pad wears out or to offer thicker pad options forcertain users' comfort.

The bottom surface of the backboard 18, shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, isfitted with a non-slip rubber material 20 so that the unit will notslide on a slick floor as in a gymnasium during the sit-ups. The rubbermaterial may be placed in strips 20 as shown in FIG. 5A, or in otherorientations including coverage of the entire bottom surface, as shownin FIG. 5B, if desired.

The sit-up board of the present disclosure can be stored easily for usein many settings. Police academies, schools, fitness centers, andhomeowners would be interested in using this device. It can be slidunder a bed, in a closet, behind a couch, etc., in home use when beingstored as it will be relatively flat and lightweight. In a school oracademy type setting, a specially designed wheeled rack can be used sothe units can be stacked together upright or flat and rolled into astorage area.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a preferred use of the device of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates the longer backboard 10 where the user'sshoulder blades are supported by the backboard. Strap 14 is shownbuckled and tightened over and around the user's feet. The user's heelsare abutted to the heel block 12. In FIG. 4, a shorter backboard 11 isprovided. Only the user's feet and buttocks are accommodated by thebackboard 11. It will be understood that the figures are not drawn toscale.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate a third preferred embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In a practice setting, it may be desirable to allow a userto achieve a slight incline or decline position. This would be achievedby integrating a short fold down leg system on the top end and bottomend of the backboard. FIG. 6C illustrates the underside 18 of thebackboard 10. Legs 32 are shown in a folded position at a top end of thebackboard and legs 36 are shown in a folded position at a bottom end ofthe backboard. Legs 32 and 36 clip into recesses 34 and 38,respectively, in the bottom surface 18 of the backboard.

As shown in FIG. 6A, for an inclined position, the legs 32 at the topend of the backboard 10 are unfolded and locked into place using bar 40,for example. Preferably, the legs have a height H of between about 8 and14 inches. FIG. 6B shows bottom legs 36 locked in the unfolded positionto form a decline. For stability, the legs should be as wide as theboard or close to it. Rubber grips 42 on the bottom of the legs willprevent them from sliding on the smooth surface of a floor. The legscould have several height settings using sets of holes 44 with a lockingpin that goes through the holes.

In a fourth preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, a fold up model backboard is shown. The backboard hastwo sections 100A and 100B. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, hinge 102 allows100B to fold underneath 100A. The backboard can be used in thisposition, similarly to the short backboard 11 that accommodates theuser's feet and buttocks only. If a longer backboard is desired tosupport the user's shoulder blades, as in backboard 10, as illustratedin FIG. 7B, the underneath section 100B is unfolded and locked into theopen position adjacent to section 100A. Comfort pad section 16A abutssection 16B. For example, a thin metal flat bar could be slid into slotson each side of the hinged area, thus not allowing it to fold or unfolduntil the bar is removed. This backboard option 100A/100B allows foreither a short or a long backboard and may be more easily stored in thefolded position.

A handle 104 could be incorporated somewhere on the end for short termtransportation. Possibly straps could be fitted onto the backboard sothat the user could wear it like a backpack for efficient prolongedtransportation.

The sit-up board of the present disclosure is lightweight, compact, andeasy to use to hold a person's feet firmly in place while practicingsit-ups or while taking an official sit-up fitness test.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has beenillustrated, and that form has been described in detail, it will bereadily understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit ofthe disclosure or from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sit-up board, comprising: a non-slip backboardhaving rubber strips on a bottom surface of said backboard; arectangular heel block on said non-slip backboard; and a foot strap infront of said rectangular heel block configured to hold a user's feettogether and against both said rectangular heel block and said non-slipbackboard during sit-ups and further configured to hold said user'sheels against said front of said rectangular heel block wherein saidrectangular heel block lies between said user's heels and said user'sbody.
 2. The sit-up board according to claim 1 further comprising acushioning pad on said non-slip backboard configured to cushion theuser's back and/or buttocks.
 3. The sit-up board according to claim 2wherein said cushioning pad is permanently attached to said non-slipbackboard.
 4. The sit-up board according to claim 2 wherein saidcushioning pad is removably attached to said non-slip backboard.
 5. Thesit-up board according to claim 1 wherein said rectangular heel blockhas a length of between 8 and 10 inches, a width of between 0.25 and 2inches, and a height of between 1.5 and 2.5 inches.
 6. The sit-up boardaccording to claim 1 wherein said rectangular heel block is molded aspart of said backboard.
 7. The sit-up board according to claim 1 whereinsaid foot strap comprises: a strap threaded down through a first slot insaid backboard, across a bottom surface of said non-slip backboard, andup through a second slot in said non-slip backboard; a buckle attachedto a first end of said strap; and a buckle receiver attached to a secondend of said strap wherein said buckle is configured to be held firmly inplace by said buckle receiver and wherein said strap is configured to bebuckled and tightened to hold the user's feet together and in place onsaid non-slip backboard.
 8. The sit-up board according to claim 1wherein said non-slip backboard: has a length configured to support theuser's feet and buttocks; or has a length configured to support theuser's feet, buttocks, and shoulder blades.
 9. A sit-up board,comprising: a non-slip backboard; a rectangular heel block on saidnon-slip backboard; a foot strap in front of said rectangular heel blockconfigured to hold a user's feet together and against both saidrectangular heel block and said non-slip backboard during sit-ups andfurther configured to hold said user's heels against said front of saidrectangular heel block wherein said rectangular heel block lies betweensaid user's heels and said user's body; a first set of legs on a bottomsurface at a top end of said non-slip backboard configured to unfold tohold said non-slip backboard in an inclined position; and a second setof legs on said bottom surface at a bottom end of said non-slipbackboard configured to unfold to hold said non-slip backboard in adeclined position.
 10. The sit-up board according to claim 9 furthercomprising a cushioning pad on said non-slip backboard configured tocushion the user's back and/or buttocks.
 11. The sit-up board accordingto claim 10 wherein said cushioning pad is permanently attached to saidnon-slip backboard.
 12. The sit-up board according to claim 10 whereinsaid cushioning pad is removably attached to said non-slip backboard.13. The sit-up board according to claim 9 wherein said foot strapcomprises: a strap threaded down through a first slot in said backboard,across a bottom surface of said non-slip backboard, and up through asecond slot in said non-slip backboard; a buckle attached to a first endof said strap; and a buckle receiver attached to a second end of saidstrap wherein said buckle is configured to be held firmly in place bysaid buckle receiver and wherein said strap is configured to be buckledand tightened to hold the user's feet together and in place on saidnon-slip backboard.
 14. A sit-up board, comprising: a non-slipbackboard; a rectangular heel block on said non-slip backboard; and afoot strap in front of said rectangular heel block configured to hold auser's feet together and against both said rectangular heel block andsaid non-slip backboard during sit-ups and further configured to holdsaid user's heels against said front of said rectangular heel blockwherein said rectangular heel block lies between said user's heels andsaid user's body; and wherein said non-slip backboard has a firstsection comprising said rectangular heel block and said foot strap and asecond section folded under said first section wherein: said firstsection is configured to support a user's feet and buttocks; and saidsecond section is configured to be unfolded and locked into a positionabutting said first section wherein said second section is furtherconfigured to support said user's shoulder blades.
 15. The sit-up boardaccording to claim 14 further comprising a cushioning pad on saidnon-slip backboard configured to cushion the user's back and/orbuttocks.
 16. The sit-up board according to claim 15 wherein saidcushioning pad is permanently attached to said non-slip backboard. 17.The sit-up board according to claim 15 wherein said cushioning pad isremovably attached to said non-slip backboard.
 18. The sit-up boardaccording to claim 14 wherein said foot strap comprises: a strapthreaded down through a first slot in said backboard, across a bottomsurface of said non-slip backboard, and up through a second slot in saidnon-slip backboard; a buckle attached to a first end of said strap; anda buckle receiver attached to a second end of said strap wherein saidbuckle is configured to be held firmly in place by said buckle receiverand wherein said strap is configured to be buckled and tightened to holdthe user's feet together and in place on said non-slip backboard.